prayer lines
"...the necessity of praying always and not losing heart." —Luke 18:1
Jesus teaches us in today's parable to pray in perseverance for our needs (Lk 18:1). Elsewhere in Scripture, Jesus reveals more about how to pray always with perseverance and power:
- Pray by listening to God (Lk 10:38-42).
- Pray in a love-relationship with "Abba" (Mt 6:9; Gal 4:6).
- Pray with faith. Jesus is always looking for faith (Lk 18:8).
- Pray without ever losing heart, that is, not growing weary and not going through the motions of prayer (Lk 18:1).
- Pray the words of Scripture (2 Tm 3:16). Praying the word of God has powerful force (Jn 10:35).
- Pray in confident power with others (Mt 18:19-20; Acts 4:24-31; Ex 17:8-13).
- "Pray in the Spirit" (Eph 6:18) using the spiritual gift of tongues. The Holy Spirit directly intercedes through us in tongues and helps us in our weakness (Rm 8:26).
- Pray without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17).
Observe a young couple in love. They spend day after day in each other's presence without growing weary of each other. Therefore, ask Jesus to give you a new heart (Ez 36:26) and open it to receive the love He is pouring out through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). Then your prayer will grow in love instead of growing weary.
Prayer: Father, may I pray not because I want something from You, but always because I want You.
Promise: "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness." —2 Tm 3:16
Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Sacred Heart has taught us how to love. Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(This autumn let the Lord change the direction of your life through a retreat with PM. See www.presentationministries.com. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 to register.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.